Château Lafleur Gazin 2022

Château Lafleur Gazin lies on the Pomerol plateau between Château Lafleur and Château Gazin, and has been run by Jean-Pierre Moueix since 1976. Its 8.5 hectares sit on a mix of gravel, clay and silt, farmed according to the conditions of each vintage, with vines averaging around thirty years of age. The blend is roughly 85 percent Merlot rounded out with Cabernet Franc. As across Pomerol, the gravel and silt give the wine its perfume and approachability while the clay lends depth and a firm core, here in a more supple register than the plateau's bigger names. The wine is fermented and aged in oak barrels, where measured oxygen contact softens the tannins and adds savoury spice. The result is a classic, balanced claret. It is deep ruby in the glass, with aromas of red and black cherry and plum over damp earth, tobacco and a touch of cedar. The palate is medium to full bodied with fine, ripe tannins and a savoury, earthy line through to a clean finish. Serve at 17 degrees, decanted ahead, in a Bordeaux glass. It pairs with roast lamb, beef and game.